Looking at color with light.

It’s very important when choosing color that you look at it in all different light scenarios. Color expert Kate Smith from Sensational Color knows what it takes to decide which color will be right for you. Follow these expert tips so you don’t regret your color choice.

Choosing Color

Have you decided on a color and by nightfall, you’re regretting your decision? There’s a word for that: metamerism. Metamerism means that colors seem to change under different light conditions. That’s why testing is key! Read the rest of this entry »

All sentiments that are sure to come your way this holiday season via the traditional holiday card. As these treasured expressions of holiday cheer arrive in your mailbox, be sure to display them in a way that honors the sender (In other words, don’t just throw them all in a basket!).

I love the simple elegance of this DIY card tree. Pick your own ribbon and accessories to incorporate this display into your own decor. Go chic with a brown or crimson satin ribbon or go for a whimsical touch with some gingham or holiday fabric. The branches add a rustic touch and give this card display the height and grandeur to make it a stand-alone piece. How beautiful would this look in an entry way, a dining room buffet or on the family room mantle? Directions to make this holiday card tree can be found here.

At one point or another, chances are you’ve used paint in some sort of application. Whether you finger-painted as a child, used watercolor paints in high school art class or painted the interior of your home, paint is a common medium for expressing creativity and adding beauty.

But what makes up the substance we refer to as “paint”? What gives it color and what separates a high quality paint from the bargain brands?

Finishing touches make all the difference when it comes to the overall look of your home. The window boxes full of colorful flowers, the paver stones winding through the backyard, and the classic shutters adorning your windows.

Even though these “finishing touches” may be subtle, they still deserve the proper attention and upkeep needed to keep them looking great, and your home looking fresh and well-put-together.

If you are noticing that your plastic shutters are in need of some touch-up work, investing in some paint and elbow grease should be all it takes to make them look like new again. However, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind as you’re working.

House Beautiful

Mark Masica, a color and paint expert at Hirshfield’s, offers these tips for painting plastic shutters:

Consult the guidelines: The most important thing to keep in mind when buying or painting plastic shutters is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some may need to be primed, while others may require a specific kind of paint. Most plastic shutters will call for a good quality, 100% acrylic paint.

Choose your paint color carefully: Be cautious when going darker with the color of your plastic shutters. Darker colors absorb more light, causing the plastic to warp and ripple. You can always go lighter with your paint color, but consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or an exterior paint professional when considering going more than a few shades darker. (Check out Mark’s picks for the best exterior paint colors for your home.)

Ready to take the plunge and embrace the wallpaper trend? The wallpaper experts at Hirshfield’s are ready to help, seam roller and broad knife in hand!

Let’s back up for a second. For some of us, hanging wallpaper can’t begin until the old wallpaper has been taken down. For those of you who fall into this category, check out our tips on how to remove wallpaper.

Ok, now that the wallpaper has been removed, let’s talk about the tools and supplies you’ll need to hang your fabulous new wallpaper.

Sizing: Sizing will help to keep seams from opening up or shrinking. This product also aids in the future removal of wallcoverings. Hirshfield’s recommends Uniprep 100% Acrylic Universal Wallcovering Prepcoat for shiny surfaces and Wallprep Universal Primer over flat, unsealed surfaces.

Border Adhesive: This product ensures proper adhesion of borders when installed over a coordinating wallcovering. This is not for use over painted surfaces because of the strong adhesion. Hirshfield’s paint experts recommend AllPro Border Adhesive.

Prepasted Activator: This product is applies like a wallcovering adhesive and activates the dry adhesive on the back of prepasted wallcoverings. Prepasted Activator is a great alternative to water and a water tray as it provides extra track to prevent seam separation. Give Hirshfield’s Prepasted Activator a try.